Bill Overview
Title: Responsible Gun Ownership Licensing Act
Description: This bill establishes a federal firearm licensing program through which an individual must obtain a federal firearm license from the Department of Justice prior to purchasing or receiving a firearm. To be eligible for such a license, the individual must have completed training in firearms safety and be subject to a background investigation and criminal history check.
Sponsors: Rep. Kim, Andy [D-NJ-3]
Target Audience
Population: People intending to purchase or acquire firearms
Estimated Size: 25000000
- This bill directly impacts individuals who intend to purchase or receive firearms in the United States, as they will need to obtain a federal firearm license.
- Anyone involved in firearms safety training programs may see an impact, as demand for such training will likely increase.
- Individuals with criminal histories or backgrounds that make them ineligible for a federal firearms license are impacted, as they may be unable to legally acquire firearms under the new program.
- Firearm sellers and distributors are also impacted because they will have to comply with new licensing requirements for buyers.
Reasoning
- The policy will primarily impact potential firearm buyers, firearm safety trainers, and firearm sellers and distributors. Certain individuals may be significantly affected due to their involvement in firearm purchases, either directly or indirectly.
- The Cantril wellbeing score can range significantly among individuals depending on their personal perceptions about gun ownership, safety, and legal concerns.
- The budget limitations suggest that the policy may focus on the most immediate and impactful initiatives, such as setting up the licensing infrastructure and initial training programs.
- Affective dimensions are considered, such as people's concerns about criminal background checks and training requirements.
- The diversity of interviewees reflects different demographic backgrounds and roles in firearm acquisition and ownership, considering the wide spread of gun ownership across various socioeconomic groups in the U.S.
Simulated Interviews
School Teacher (Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy could enhance safety and responsible ownership.
- I support measures that ensure only trained individuals can purchase firearms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Police Officer (Pennsylvania)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry the licensing might infringe on my rights.
- Training could be useful, but it should not be mandatory.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Peace Officer (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing everyone needs training gives me peace of mind.
- The policy should streamline licensing processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Gun Store Owner (Virginia)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Business may be affected by administrative changes.
- Safety training could increase trust in legal sales processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Military Veteran (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy supports responsible ownership.
- Veterans should be included in training delivery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
College Student (Idaho)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could make it more expensive and cumbersome to learn.
- I think requiring training could deter misuse among peers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Legal Consultant (New York)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this as a step towards more comprehensive gun control.
- The policy could face legal challenges but is necessary for public safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Firearms Safety Instructor (Florida)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This might increase demand for our classes.
- The policy mandates a balanced approach to rights and responsibilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Nurse (Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't own guns, this policy could reduce gun-related accidents.
- I'm supportive but concerned about government oversight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
IT Technician (Georgia)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The licensing process should be efficient to avoid delays.
- I agree with the necessity of safety training.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 3: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $150000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy's actual cost will largely depend on the scope and efficiency of licensing administration by the Department of Justice.
- The societal savings from potential reductions in gun violence need thorough quantification to assess full fiscal impacts.
- Tracking compliance and handling appeals could further increase costs and administrative burdens.
- The impact on small firearm businesses, due to potential reductions in sales, should be considered when assessing economic implications.